Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace electric surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up a wall which would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is crucial to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed some distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your house faster and at an increased price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose between a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create an original design for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market to use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

You can offer your clients an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas cheap fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be combined with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic look.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.